Habsburg Carnival in Madonna di Campiglio

Early on in its history as a popular alpine destination, Madonna di Campiglio had truly regal beginnings when, at the end of the 19th century, it was frequently host to the Habsburg imperial court, including Emperor Franz Joseph I and Elizabeth of Bavaria, as well as other illustrious members of European royalty and aristocracy.

To this day, Madonna di Campiglio relives the lifestyle of those times, with antique carriages rolling through Strada dell’Imperatore (Emperor’s Road), the hussars accompanying their ladies out for a ride in their troikas, the rustling of elegant evening gowns as they dance to the rhythm of a Viennese waltz.

The streets and squares of Madonna di Campiglio come to life with the dress and elegance of those early years, and throughout the week there are shows, dinners and other events, all culminating in the Emperor’s Grand Ball, to which all are invited, but costumes from that era are de rigueur.